Italy’s top 4 sporting events

Although most people associate a holiday in Italy with beautiful art cities, amazing food, great wine and plenty of sun and sea, if you’re passionate about sport, Italy hosts a great number of international sporting events which, if they coincide with the period you’re here, you really shouldn’t miss!Here are four of my all-time favorites:

Ship ahoy!

The second Sunday of October is a special day in Trieste. This is when the city, famous for its Liberty-style palazzi and historic coffee houses, hosts Barcolana: one of the biggest regattas in the world which, in just one day, sees hundreds of sailing boats of every size and form take to the waters of the Gulf of Trieste. Haven’t got a boat? No problem! The hills above Trieste provide the perfect viewing platform from where to enjoy the show.For info see: www.barcolana.it

Hit the slopes

Held in the Val di Fassa and Valle di Fiemme on the third Sunday of January, the 70km long Marcialonga (the long march) is the most important cross-country skiing event in Italy. More than a race, it’s an amazing journey across the snow-covered mountainside, through beautiful valleys and past picture perfect alpine towns.

The Marcialonga starts in Moena and concludes in Cavalese. You can join the competition or choose a place on-route from where to watch the spectacle – a glass of vin brule in hand!You’ll find full details of the Marcialonga here: www.marcialonga.it

Gentle giants

15 giants against 15 giants: these days real men play rugby in Italy too! Between February and March, the Rugby 6 Nations is battled out and, even though Italians are relatively new to the sport, home games in particular have already gained a massive following and Rome’s Stadium, where the matches are played is filled with Rugby fans from all over Italy (as well as France, England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland).

As per the great Rugby tradition, games are both deservedly won and honorably lost and, whatever the result, celebrated with a hot dog and a pint of beer during third time.Get details of the matches here: www.rbs6nations.com

On your bike!

In the mountains or in the valley, in the city or in the countryside, wherever you go, you’ll find a steady stream of camper vans, caravans, cars, motorbikes and pedestrians lining the route of the Giro d’Italia, all waiting to cheer the cyclists on.

Ever since this epic bike race was first run in 1909, each year, for three weeks during the month of May, professional cyclists from all over the world, pedal the length and breadth of Italy in the hope of wearing that famous maglia rosa!

Even if you manage to see the champion cyclists for just a few seconds as they whizz by, following in the steps of the Giro d’Italia is a great occasion to experience some of the most beautiful scenery and cities in Italy.You’ll find all the details here: www.gazzetta.it

Travel, sport and hotels Trieste, Rome, and the Dolomites: if you’re searching for a boutique hotel, period residence of farm stay from where to follow Italy’s major sporting events, you’ll find what you’re looking for on ItalyTraveller.com